Newsflash

In Brussels, volunteers assemble drones to be sent to Ukraine

In Brussels, a diverse group of volunteers—including teachers, civil servants, Ukrainian diaspora members, and former military personnel—regularly gather in undisclosed locations to assemble drones. These drones, funded by private donations, are coordinated by the NGO Wings for Europe and sent to the front lines in Ukraine. The initiative highlights the grassroots efforts to support Ukraine's defense against ongoing aggression. 🛩️🇺🇦

Sweden 'very happy to be members of NATO', Swedish ambassador to France says

Sweden's ambassador to France, Caroline Vicini, has expressed her country's satisfaction with its recent membership in NATO, marking a significant shift from its long-standing policy of nonalignment. Speaking on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Vicini emphasized Sweden's strong commitment to supporting Ukraine. She described Sweden's decision to join NATO as a substantial but necessary step, reflecting the evolving security landscape in Europe. The ambassador's remarks underscore Sweden's dedication to collective defense and its alignment with Western allies in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges. 🇸🇪🤝

Poland, Germany, France, Italy and UK to jointly develop low-cost air-defence systems

In a significant move to bolster European defense capabilities, Poland, Germany, France, Italy, and the UK have agreed to jointly develop and procure low-cost air defense systems, including drones and missiles. This initiative, announced during a summit in Kraków, aims to enhance Europe's ability to counter growing aerial threats, particularly from Russia. The Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms (LEAP) initiative will focus on affordable weapons systems and unmanned aerial vehicles to ensure a cost-effective response to potential aggression.

The decision comes in response to increasing incidents of airspace violations by Russia and Belarus, highlighting the need for improved anti-drone defenses. Recent events, such as the September drone incursions into Polish airspace, have exposed vulnerabilities in current defense strategies, where expensive missiles were used to neutralize cheaper drones with limited success. The LEAP initiative, expected to deliver its first project by 2027, underscores the urgency of adapting to rapidly evolving threats and technologies.

Poland, already leading NATO in defense spending relative to GDP, is set to reach 4.8% this year. The country has also signed an agreement with Norway to develop the SAN anti-drone system, funded in part by the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program. Despite political controversies surrounding the SAFE program, the E5 defense ministers reaffirmed their commitment to boosting defense spending and welcomed the EU's support for increased fiscal flexibility in this area. This collaborative effort marks a crucial step toward strengthening European security and ensuring a more balanced burden-sharing among allies. 🛡️🇪🇺

Nordio says reform doesn't limit judicial autonomy

Justice Minister Carlo Nordio has defended the government's upcoming judicial reform, set for a referendum on March 22-23, against opposition claims that it could compromise judicial independence. Speaking at an ANSA forum, Nordio emphasized that the reform aims to separate the career paths of prosecutors and judges to prevent undue influence in trials, rather than subject the judiciary to executive control. He asserted that the reform elevates prosecutors to the same level of independence and autonomy as judges, dismissing concerns as unfounded. Nordio challenged critics to identify any provisions in the reform that could lead to such interpretations, maintaining that the text ensures the judiciary's autonomy remains intact. 🏛️⚖️

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-Yeol appeals life sentence

Former leader Yoon was sentenced to life in prison for rebellion after imposing martial law in 2024, a move that the court ruled was a deliberate attempt to paralyze the legislature. Yoon's legal team has expressed their intention to challenge the ruling, emphasizing the importance of documenting the perceived injustices both in the court record and for historical posterity. The case highlights the severe consequences of authoritarian actions and the legal system's role in upholding democratic principles.

Finnish quantum computing firm IQM to be listed on US stock market

Espoo-based quantum computing firm IQM Finland is set to go public on the US stock market through a merger with Real Asset Acquisition Corp, a Nasdaq-listed "special purpose acquisition company." This strategic move aims to accelerate IQM's development of fault-tolerant quantum computing technology and solidify its position as a leading provider of quantum computers. The transaction is expected to bring in approximately €330 million in additional funding, with the company valued at around $1.8 billion (€1.6 billion). IQM is also considering a dual listing on the Helsinki Stock Exchange following the completion of this deal. The company, which collaborated with Finland's state-owned VTT Technical Research Centre to build the country's first quantum computer in 2021, emphasizes its mission to make quantum computing accessible for solving real-world problems. Jan Goetz, IQM's co-founder and CEO, underscores that quantum computing is no longer just a scientific endeavor but a burgeoning industry where customers actively use and build on advanced quantum systems. 🚀💻

Agriculture adds increasing value to the Latvian economy

The European food chain, from farm to fork, encompasses production, processing, distribution, trade, consumption, and environmental concerns. Recent data from Eurostat highlights the economic contribution of agriculture across the EU, revealing a positive trend. In 2024, the agricultural industry contributed 1.2% to the EU's gross domestic product (GDP), up from 1.1% in 2009. Latvia stood out with a slightly higher contribution of 1.5% of its GDP.

Greece, Romania, and Spain led the way with the highest agricultural value-added ratios to GDP, at 3.2%, 2.5%, and 2.3%, respectively. Bulgaria, Italy, and Croatia followed with ratios of 1.8%. Conversely, Luxembourg and Malta recorded the lowest ratios, both at 0.2%. Over the 15-year period, 15 EU countries saw an increase in the agricultural sector's contribution to GDP, with Greece, Latvia, and Spain experiencing the most significant gains. Meanwhile, Romania, Bulgaria, Malta, and Croatia saw the most notable declines in their agricultural sector's relative economic weight. 🌱💰

Decision on seal hunting - more seals will be shot than last year

Sweden has announced its hunting regulations for seals, effective from 2026 to early 2027, with a focus on managing the impact of grey seals on fisheries. Licensed hunting is permitted for grey seals, which are known to cause significant damage to small-scale commercial and recreational fishing. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has set a quota of 1,350 grey seals, an increase from last year's 1,000, to be hunted across all counties along the Baltic Sea. The hunting season is divided into two periods: the first period, with county-wise quotas, runs from April 20 to May 20, 2026, and June 6 to August 14, 2026; the second period, with a common quota, spans from August 15, 2026, to January 15, 2027.

In addition to grey seals, protective hunting is allowed for harbor seals and ringed seals. A total of 200 harbor seals may be hunted in Halland, Västra Götaland, and parts of Skåne, while 200 ringed seals can be hunted in Norrbotten, Västerbotten, Västernorrland, and Gävleborg. The protective hunting season for harbor seals is divided into two periods: the first period runs from April 20 to May 20, 2026, and September 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027; the second period spans from February 1, 2027, to April 19, 2027.

The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency emphasizes that these hunting decisions aim to balance the prevention of seal-related damage to fishing gear, catches, and certain fish stocks while exercising caution due to ongoing population development studies. 🦭🎣

Australia wants Prince Andrew removed from line of succession, PM Albanese says

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed strong support for removing Prince Andrew from the British line of succession, stating that he has written to his British counterpart, Keir Starmer, to convey Australia's backing for such a decision. Albanese emphasized that he believes both he and the Australian public want Prince Andrew removed from the line, where he currently stands eighth. Australia is one of 14 Commonwealth countries required to approve any changes to the succession, a process that also necessitates approval from both houses of the British Parliament and the consent of King Charles. The current line of succession includes Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Harry, Prince Archie, Princess Lilibet, and Prince Andrew, followed by his daughters and their children. 🇬🇧👑

The embassy in Baku remembers Attanasio, Iacovacci, and Milambo.

On the fifth anniversary of their tragic deaths, state personnel in Baku honored Ambassador Luca Attanasio, Carabinieri officer Vittorio Iacovacci, and WFP driver Mustapha Milambo. In a solemn ceremony, the embassy's meeting room was named in their memory, with a commemorative plaque affixed to pay tribute to their service and sacrifice. The embassy announced the tribute, reflecting on the enduring legacy of these individuals who dedicated their lives to humanitarian efforts and diplomacy. 🕊️🇮🇹

Inter 10 points clear after Milan lose at home to Parma

Inter Milan has solidified its lead at the top of Serie A, extending its advantage to 10 points after a 2-0 victory over struggling Lecce on Saturday. Meanwhile, second-placed AC Milan suffered an unexpected 1-0 defeat to Parma at San Siro on Sunday, with defender Mariano Troilo scoring the decisive late goal. AS Roma secured third place with a commanding 3-0 win over Cremonese, now trailing Inter by 14 points. Napoli, the reigning champions, dropped to fourth after a 2-1 loss to in-form Atalanta, placing them just behind Roma on goal difference. Juventus, now in fifth, suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to sixth-placed Como, leaving them four points further behind the leaders. The Serie A title race remains intense, with Inter Milan firmly in control but fierce competition brewing among the chasing pack. ⚽🏆

Today in Norway: A roundup of the latest news on Monday

In Norway, a salmonella outbreak at a pig facility in Løten, Innlandet county, has led to the euthanization of over 200 pigs owned by Norsvin. The infection, detected by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, is believed to have originated from an external source, possibly birds. The facility is currently undergoing decontamination and will face a 30-day quarantine followed by a two-week recovery period before resuming operations. 🐷💔

Meanwhile, Oslo Police District reported a 33% crime resolution rate in 2025, the lowest in Norway but a slight improvement from the previous year. The capital's high tourist traffic and petty crimes contribute to this low rate, as these cases are often deprioritized in favor of serious offenses like murder and sexual violence. 🚨🕵️

Additionally, the Norwegian royal family's popularity has plummeted to a historic low of 60%, following a series of scandals. Princess Mette-Marit's connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and her son's ongoing trial for multiple charges, including rape, have significantly impacted public opinion. 👑📉